Haematological Pathology

How many years is the reg-programme?

• 4 years

How many years have you been in the reg-programme?

• Already completed

How many years did you work as an MO in the department before getting the registrar post?

• None

What relevant examinations did you do before getting the registrar post (i.e., in the field of your training)?

• None, I started my training in 1984. For pathology you had to be a registrar before you could do primaries

At which training complex did you complete/are you completing your reg-time?

• University of Pretoria (UP)

What hospitals/complexes did you rotate through as part of your training programme?

• Pretoria Academic, Kalafong, Blood banks, CMJAH

What examinations were you required to complete during your reg-time?

• Primary, Part I, Part II, Final, MMed, Fellowship

How well did your registrar training programme prepare you for your examinations (1-5)?

• 4

How would you rate the teaching you receive(d) in your reg programme (1-5)?

• 4

How would you rate your clinical exposure (1-5)?

• 5 – Currently the Dept gives good laboratory and clinical exposure

How would you rate your department’s working environment when it comes to general support and morale?

• 4

For those coming after, can you recommend any suburbs/areas that are safe to live in and close to most of the hospitals where you have to rotate in your registrar programme?

• Can’t help you there. I have been in Bloemfontein for the last 30 years.

Any final comments?

• “1. Some people think that pathology specialties are soft jobs. But the days are very long and the amount of intellectual work intense. Pathologist find you in solving problems, and taking nothing for granted. You need an inquiring mind. If you want a soft job, rather leave medicine.
  2. Haematological pathology is ideal for someone who preferred physiology and cells above anatomy. You need to be visually/picture orientated and understand abstract processes. There is a mixture of laboratory bench work, microscopy, clinical work, genetics, etc. (You can develop your career into one of the fields later on.) There is a lot of interaction with other specialties, especially clinical haematology.
  3. Make certain you get your primaries done within about a year. You feel much stronger within yourself when you have passed these exams. Then tackle your research project and finish it within 18 months. The research develops you intellectually and boosts your confidence before the Part II exams.
  4. When you study make time for BOTH reviewing the conditions you are managing in the lab at the time AND some systematic studying of a textbook. The balance will vary.
  5. Don’t sit on problems you are experiencing as a registrar. Discuss them with your consultant at the first opportunity. Ask lots of questions. Otherwise you end up being a problem registrar that keeps on making mistakes and failing exams.
  6. Remember! You are preparing yourself to be a consultant, work towards that goal consciously. Also, you are actually preparing your CV and building a professional network from Day 1 as a registrar.”